OUR OPINION: Duxbury man embraces idea that one person can make a difference

Monday

Jul 11, 2011 at 12:01 AMJul 11, 2011 at 11:14 AM

Editor’s note: Readers often comment that there should be more good news in the paper. While it’s true that there’s more than enough bad news to go around, on Mondays on the editorial page we will highlight some of the many good news stories that appear on our pages on a regular basis.

It’s so easy to feel like life’s problems are too big for any one person to fix, but then you read about someone like Paul Mabey and you’re reminded of the exponential power of individual efforts, even when they involve gum wrappers.

The Duxbury man has become a fixture in town – with his red T-shirt and green wagon – as he patrols the town’s streets for litter.

He estimates that he walks about 10 miles three times a week, picking up trash with nothing but gloved hands, refuse bags and a gardening wagon.

Mabey said he has long been bothered by litter, but it wasn’t until a townwide cleanup in May that his pet peeve turned into a sort of hobby.

People who come across him on his rounds now often make it a point to say “thank you” or toot their horn as they drive by.

It’s that kind of awareness that can turn one person’s efforts into something much larger. Ditto for Mary Gazzola, who organized the litter drive that inspired Mabey. She makes a sweep along Route 53 once a week. They and others like them get people thinking. Some, as a result, may do a better job of policing the area around their neighborhood. Others may simply think twice before they toss a cigarette butt or gum wrapper out the window of their car.

“Awareness is the most important thing,” Gazzola said.

In a story last week, Mabey’s wife, Mary, proudly noted that what her husband does is “so above and beyond.”

We agree and we hope others are inspired to follow in his and Gazzola’s footsteps.

There are dozens of famous quotes that capture the essence of their efforts but one from Mahatma Gandhi does it best.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

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